Malta is full of unique historic sight. Temples, palaces, cathedrals, and forts provide a living history you can almost touch. Sound plays an important part in the life of the Islands. The mix of fireworks and village band marches transforms a summer night into a special memory. The advantage of a stay on the Maltese Islands is that you can experience several holidays in one.
Cuisine here is a taste of the Islands' multicultural heritage. Local restaurants offer a creative selection of tempting fare. After dinner, night clubs, wine bars and casinos beckon with their own brand of excitement.
Island Attractions
The capital city of Valletta host to regular plays and concerts, as well as scores of exhibitions and street events. The Museum of Archaeology in Valletta houses an exceptionally rich collection of prehistoric artefacts. The War Museum at Fort St. Elmo is home to a Sunday military parade in period costumes re-enactment and the capital also possesses the impressive Grand Master’s Palace and St. John’s Co-cathedral.
With 7,000 years of history, the sites to visit are endless – the Megalithic Temples (including Ggantija, the oldest freestanding temple in the world), the underground St Paul’s and St. Agatha’s catacombs, The Knights of St. John’s significant sites, such as Fort St Angelo and Fort Rinella (home to the world’s largest canon). WWII significant sites, such as the Mgarr war shelter, Mtarfa ex-British military buildings, The Armoury and the Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa are not to be missed.
Look out for the Alarme and In Guardia Historical re-enactments, as well as interactive walkthrough and multimedia attractions that offer an overview of Malta’s history in under an hour. They’re interesting and a great way to learn the significance of what visitors will later be looking at.
The Museum of Roman Antiquities (commonly referred to as “The Roman Villa”) and various catacombs are to be found in Rabat. In the fortified medieval city of Mdina, visitors will come across everything from Napoleonic troops to flower festivals. The Cathedral and its museum are not to be missed, as well as the torturous Mdina dungeons and the Mdina Experience. For a romantic stroll like no other, wander the lamp lit streets of Mdina at night. Don’t miss the renowned chocolate cake at Fontanella Tea rooms, situated right on the bastion with a spectacular view.
For those who love art, the possibilities are endless – visit the impressive artistic collection at the National Museum of Fine Arts, see the Caravaggio’s Beheading of St. John at St. John’s co-Cathedral and visit medieval Palazzo Falzon, which houses a large collection of antiques, in Mdina. To view more contemporary work, walk around the exhibits at the St Johns Cavalier Art Centre.
For fanciful fun, highlights are the passionate carnival and open-air concerts. Not to be missed is the Nadur carnival in Gozo and the parade in Valletta. Children will enjoy activity and fun parks, which include the old film set of Popeye Village.
For those who love the water, scuba diving is an avid sport on the Islands. A harbour cruise, swimming at Blue Grotto in Comino and St Peters Pool in Marsascala, renting a jet-ski, chartering a yacht, visiting Mgarr Ix-Xini cove in Gozo and par kiting from one of the sandy beaches to get a birds eye view of Malta are all absolute water lover must-do’s.
The rural side of the Islands is fascinating, with charming villages & captivating folklore. With 365 spectacular churches, there are more than a few highlights - visit the Mosta church famous for its large dome (third largest dome in Europe). Visit the church of St. Nicholas in the village of Siggiewi.
Visit the three cities in Cottonera, have an evening walk on the Sliema or Bugibba promenade and visit the fortified Citadel in Gozo.
On Sunday morning go to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk market, the open-air market outside Valletta or the It-Tokk Victoria market in Gozo.
The Islands must be visited at festa time for an insight into local life with all its colour and passions.